Trabzonspor has set a €40 million asking price for Nigerian defender Chibuike Nwaiwu after receiving offers in the region of €20 million, according to reports from Turkish media.
The 22-year-old Super Eagles center-back joined the Turkish Süper Lig club in January 2026 from Austrian side Wolfsberger AC in a deal worth about €5.5 million.
Since his arrival, Nwaiwu has become a regular starter for the former Turkish champions, contributing three headed goals in 16 league appearances and playing a key role in their domestic title push. His contract with Trabzonspor runs until the end of the 2029–2030 season, giving the club leverage in negotiations.
Interest in Nwaiwu has grown ahead of the summer transfer window. Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen and Premier League club Fulham are monitoring the defender, with Fulham reportedly viewing him as a long-term reinforcement as Calvin Bassey and Issa Diop approach the final year of their contracts.
Reports indicate Trabzonspor has already rejected initial €20 million bids and will only consider negotiations at double that amount. If met, the €40 million fee would make Nwaiwu the most expensive sale in Süper Lig history, surpassing the €27.5 million Trabzonspor received for goalkeeper Uğurcan Çakır.
Nwaiwu began his professional career at Heartland FC in Nigeria before moving to Enyimba FC, where he won the 2022–23 league title after converting from defensive midfield to center-back.
He moved to Austria in 2024 and helped Wolfsberger AC lift the Austrian Cup before his transfer to Turkey. Standing at 1.93 meters, Nwaiwu is noted for his aerial presence and composure in possession.
The CIES Football Observatory recently ranked him as the best center-back in Turkey aged 23 or under. Trabzonspor maintains that unless a suitor matches its valuation, a transfer this summer is unlikely.